Science Should Validate Nellore Aandaiah’s Covid Concoction – Prof K Nageshwar

Aandaiah’s ayurvedic concoction in Krishnapatanam in the Nellore district is creating a sensation. Thousands of COVID patients flocked the seashore town raising concerns of it becoming another super spreader. All kinds of legends are publicized on social media resulting in a huge surge in the number of people seeking to have the herbal preparation which is being claimed as a magic cure for the deadly virus.

YS Jagan government has rightly ordered a scientific study of the preparation to evaluate its efficacy and safety.

In an hour of despair, especially when modern science fails to offer any viable cure for the COVID-19, such a mad rush can easily be understood. In the age of social media, even unsubstantiated claims can spread fast. Already, the world is witnessing an infodemic with all kinds of magic cures cited as a magic bullet for the novel coronavirus. Herd psychology is driving thousands to the small town creating even law and order problems. Thus, a scientific public health response to this popular claim is urgently necessary.

Unlike many, Aandaiah is not mystifying or even commercializing his formulation. He is transparent by clearly stating what ingredients go into his reported medicine. The preliminary investigation by AYUSH also revealed these ingredients are harmless. When safety is assured, people are ready to give it a try, even if the efficacy is not established. But, popular response, free supply, and anecdotal narrative cannot be taken as scientific validation of something that is claimed as medicine. But, at the same time, the ayurvedic concoction cannot be dismissed as unscientific without any scientific investigation. Ayurveda is known for several traditional formulations which are in popular imaginations that have a therapeutic value. Given this context, the government agencies need to do the following urgently.

1. The AYUSH and ICMR experts have already reached Krishnapatnam. They should expedite the scientific evaluation of Aandaiah’s formulation.
2. Avoid crowding of the town to avert another outbreak.
3. Clinical trials have to be taken up to establish efficacy and safety.
4. Long-term monitoring of those who take the concoction to study the enduring efficacy and possible adverse effects.
5. Avoid using the claimed medicine in the eyes as an abundant precaution unless the method of administering it is scientifically validated to avoid unwarranted effects.
6. The government agencies should clarify various legends that are spreading in the public domain.
7. Avoid Krishnapatnam turning into a political pilgrimage. Highly restrained scientific response should prevail over competitive political populism.

By Prof K Nageshwar

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